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Has anyone dealt with Adventures Within Reach? I am seriously wanting to do Kilimanjaro this January. Can someone give me the name of a good outfitter?

Yes, booked our trip through AWR (Zara) this summer.. read my trip report or PM if you want a bunch of info.. highly recommended..

It seems to me that most of the US based "travel" companies simply book you on their companies, but the actual guiding company is Zara. Is that not the case with Adventure Within Reach?

UltimateKilimanjaro is a US-based outfitter that uses Zara for its local logistics as do multiple other companies. There are legitimate reasons why you're better off booking with us. We specialize in private, custom, small-party climbs. Most companies want to form the largest group possible (usually around 12-15) because it's much more profitable. We don't do that because creating a large party, particularly with inexperienced hikers/climbers, borders on irresponsibility. We work with clients to come up with an itinerary that best suits their needs, ability and desires, rather than put them on a pre-packaged route. When you speak with us, you speak to people who have actually climbed Kilimanjaro, rather than office personnel. Communication is easy, unlike those overseas. Lastly, there is no premium charged whatsoever over booking direct.

we were very happy with AWR/Zara

We ascended Kilimanjaro in August 2004 with Kibo Slopes : excellent caring guides, nice and kind porters, tasty food, good North Face tents.
If you want to give yorself more chances to succeed, try to find a tour which ascends it in 4 days rather than 3. The itinerary we took (Machame route I think) goes at the foot of the Mawenzi peak, before climbing Kilimanjaro.

Hi Jessica,
I booked with Adventures Within Reach (Colorado) and had a fantastic climb (Machame route) this October (see my pics on the Kili page). Also they arranged our five days safari.
AWR uses the company ECO TOURS (http://www.ecotourism-tz.com/) as their ground operator in Moshi.) I must say they performed excellent. Our guide was named Adam and was very proffessional. When in Moshi I heard that the quality level of Zara was dropping.
Maybe that is why AWR changed it's ground operator to Eco Tours, (as they used to work with Zara in the past.) cheers. André

I used Good Earth tours Aug 06 and I booked direct. $1440.00 (USD) covered 9 days in country. 7 days on the mountain. A shuttle from Nairobi or Kilimanjaro airport. 2 nights at a first rate hotel - 1st day and last in country. A private group, there were 2 of us. On the mountain we had fresh meat and eggs every day. We were supplied with a private western style toilet (must have). Can't recommend Good Earth enough.

http://www.goodearthtours.com/mount_kilimanjaro.html

My trip pictures

http://outdoors.webshots.com/slideshow/554419947imCIbe

For those of you going to Kilimanjaro -

There are Tanzanian operators that offer porters, guides, and lodging.

There are USA travel agents that book through these Tanzanian operators.

These USA travel agents don't own or control the Tanzanian operators, but are simply booking agents. Examples are Adventures Within Reach (AWR), EWP, and Ultimate Kilimanjaro.

These travel agents do offer services, which cost you money, such as acting as a comfortable liaison with the Tanzanian operators, and organizing groups. To avoid extra cost, communicate direct with the Tanzanian operators.

This is neither "good" or "bad." All companies offer something for your money (even if on the backs of operators). Just be aware of the situation.

Note: Travel agents often populate these forums with feedback generated by their own agents that is positive about themselves as resellers and negative about competitors or product owners.

Tip: Research the actual Tanzanian operators before you commit. Compare what you get and the price. Understand what a travel agent gives you for their markup. When you get to Africa, you are in the hands of the operators, not your USA travel agent!

Example: In 2007, National Geographic Adventure magazine listed AWR as the best kilimanjaro climb, but AWR was simply a booking agent for Zara Tours. Thus, Zara should receive credit for their high-quality, safe, and successful climbs.

Status: Zara no longer accepts bookings through AWR due to misuse of Zara's brand name (which is an acronym for the actual Tanzanian owners). If you want Zara, book direct, and get cost savings. www.zaratours.com

From my experience, Zara was of highest quality with a very low price. Tanzania is a great place to visit (easy & safe). Go there now before the glaciers melt!

Hi Jesca,

I have read your request and I am happy to contribute. Yes all have read could be true. the best you can do , ask what you expect from a local company that can take you up to Uhuru peak, let this operator make a promise in writing that all promissed will be given, then confirm. too much literature may mix you more. we are open to work with a guest at guests pleasure. you choose what you want. not us to plan for you.

One more thing each day is new and every trip is different. your experince will be yours alone not what someone else did! www.marangushuttles.com

Regards,
Wilfred

crosby1 wrote:hi, we climbed in september this year with the Marangu Hotel based in Marangu Village. Top notch organization, superb guides and porters. They've been doing climbs since 1930 and really know their stuff. I highly recommend them.
http://www.maranguhotel.com

Another vote for the Marangu Hotel. Climbed in 2007, used their "hard-way package". BTW, a great place to stay and very tasty meals. They also have a nice and cheap campground to pitch your own tent. Climbed Mount Meru before Kili with AWR (Zara, in fact), no bad words, but prefer the Marangu Hotel.